Letters: Biden has ‘met the moment’ with Ukraine crisis; Price of not addressing climate change incalculable

Biden has ‘met the moment’ with Ukraine crisis

How can anyone say President Biden is weak on Russia? In his words and actions, he has met the moment, helping to create unprecedented global unity against Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The 141 countries of the UN have reaffirmed Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and are united in demanding Putin immediately end his unconscionable war.

Biden’s focus on international alliances and shared values reinvigorated NATO, which doubled its active forces — troops, planes and ships — in Eastern Europe and is now providing Ukraine with massive military aid and humanitarian assistance.

Biden led the global financial world in imposing crushing and historic sanctions on Russia designed to punish Putin — and create domestic pressure on him to end this war.

Biden led meetings in Brussels to create a network of energy resources so that Europe can finally end its dependence on Russian energy.

President Biden has more foreign policy experience than any president in U.S. history — and it shows.

According to polls, the majority of Americans approve of his clear-headed handling of the crisis in Ukraine, from his decisions to provide weapons and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, to not sending in U.S. troops, to refusing a no-fly zone because of the risks of starting a nuclear war.

President Biden is dancing on a tightrope. Let’s stop the partisan bellyaching and armchair analysis and come together to support him and his advisors in confronting a despot, standing up for democracy and rallying a worldwide response to Putin’s criminal actions.

Price of not addressing climate change incalculable

In a CDT letter (March 31) Terry Kordes asks: “Will climate complainers pay the price?” He implies that our current energy sources are cheap and clean, and that decreasing fossil fuel use will be ugly.

Pennsylvania spends more than $100 million dollars per year cleaning up toxic drainage from abandoned mines (43 of 67 counties are impacted by abandoned mines), plugging orphaned and leaky oil and gas wells (average cost is $68,000 per well and PA has at least 27,000). And let’s not forget Pennsylvania’s polluted fracking water or fish kills due to acid rain caused by coal-burning power plants.

Talk about ugly and expensive!

The price we’re paying to not address human-caused climate change is incalculable. Mr. Kordes’ grandchildren will be justified in blaming him, and those like him, for the dire consequences if we don’t transition to carbon-free energy sources.

Individuals and local governments can, and are, taking action instead of just complaining, as Mr. Kordes does in his letter. An energy audit can help homeowners outline a plan to decrease household energy expenses and remain comfortable. One does not need to go solar to realize significant savings!

For starters, all should read COG’s excellent Climate Action and Adaptability Plan: www.crcog.net/caap. COG also created this solar resource for area residents: centresustains.com/solar.

The local, national and global threats are real — and mounting. Let’s embrace new jobs as we transition to new technology. Climate change affects everyone and everything. The sooner we all take it seriously, the better off we’ll be.

Arc of Centre County has positive impact

The Centre County United Way partners with over two dozen area not-for-profit agencies in improving the lives of our neighbors through education, financial stability and health.

One of our longtime partners is The Arc of Centre County. A wonderful staff and volunteers serves those in our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During our recent funds distribution review we were awed by the dedication, love and passion of the staff for their clients. We heard firsthand from some of our neighbors being positively impacted by the services of the Arc.

The CCUW helps to fund three specific programs within the Arc’s mission: Residential Services, Nittany Employment Services, and Home and Community Services. These programs allow their clients to be a real part of our community in leading fruitful and inclusive lives.

Thank you to the Arc of Centre County for making us proud of the productive lives we can all lead.

Live United.